An expert says you should get a jab at least two weeks before you travel to build up immunity
Anyone holidaying in Europe this year is being urged to get a vaccine to prevent falling ill on holiday. The advice comes for holidaymakers travelling to destinations including France, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Turkey and Italy.
Experts say even if you have had a jab earlier this year, it may no longer be effective and you should look into getting another one. Jack Janetzki, l ecturer in pharmacy and pharmacology at the University of South Australia, said anyone travelling in the northern hemisphere should consider getting a flu jab.
That could include holidays outside Europe – in places such as North Africa, the USA and the Far East. Jack said: “I f you had your flu shot in April or May, it may no longer offer enough protection by the time you travel in July or later. Getting a second shot will provide you with optimal protection against the flu while travelling to the northern hemisphere.”
He particularly recommends a jab if you are looking at travel as we head into peak flu season – which will start around the time of half term in October, adding: ” Ideally, get your second shot at least two weeks before your departure, so your body has time to build up protection.”
The NHS flu jab system only operates in the UK during flu season – so from the autumn. Your GP should be able to advise how to get a jab any time of the year if you think you need one.
A flu jab could be essential for some people in the UK looking to travel to Australia or elsewhere in the southern hemisphere now – as it is peak flu season on the other side of the world.
There are some trips where a flu vaccine could be even more essential, Jack said:
Cruises are a prime setting for flu outbreaks. There are hundreds or thousands of people sharing confined spaces, such as restaurants and entertainment facilities, for days or weeks at a time. This creates the perfect environment for the flu virus to spread.
Group tours and large events are also high risk. Bus tours, music festivals and cultural events bring together large crowds, often in indoor spaces or via shared transport. This increases your chance of exposure and catching the virus.
Pilgrimages and religious gatherings such as Hajj, Lunar New Year or Ramadan are also high risk, especially for older travellers or those with health conditions. These events can attract millions of international visitors, often in crowded, shared accommodation, where flu and other respiratory viruses can spread rapidly.
People who are over 65 years of age , have medical conditions, such as severe asthma or diabetes, or are on medications that decrease their immune function, are more likely to become severely ill if they catch the flu. So, if you’re travelling during the northern hemisphere’s flu season, a second shot should be strongly considered.
Jack said: ” The flu is more than just a sniffle. It can lead to serious illness, cancelled plans and perhaps a hospital stay in a foreign country. Even if you don’t get sick, you could pass the virus to others more vulnerable than yourself. So before you finish your pre-travel checklist, make sure your flu shots are up to date.
“Not getting the shot could be the difference between sipping Aperol spritz on the Amalfi Coast or spending your trip in bed with a fever.”
This article originally appeared in The Conversation